Gray Davis on Free Trade

Former Democratic CA Governor

CA is world’s 5th largest economy; expand global marketplace

Under Governor Davis’ leadership, California has dramatically strengthened its role in the global marketplace, surpassing France and Italy to become the fifth largest economy in the world. Governor Davis has worked with nations around the globe to
expand international trade. California has become the nation’s leading exporter, outstripping second-place Texas by nearly $16 billion in 2000. California also attracts more direct foreign investment than any other state, [accounting for] 640,000 jobs.

Made trade deals with Europe, Armenia, China, & others

In Oct. 1999, Davis led a business development mission to Europe and the Middle East. During the first 2 years of his administration, trade to the European Union increased 19%, reaching $25.7 billion in 2000. In Dec. 2001,
Davis launched the European Union Export Initiative to further stimulate trade and help small environmental and biomedical companies in California enter the European market.

A month earlier, Davis signed a historic agreement between California and
Armenia to enhance trade and investment. Since he took office, exports to Armenia have tripled.

The Davis Administration also oversaw the opening of the new California trade and investment offices in Shanghai (March 2000), Singapore (March 2000),
and Argentina (September 2000). Since their establishment, the offices have facilitated over $16 million in exports.

Additionally, the Governor signed legislation to develop a Rural Strategy to facilitate trade from the State’s agricultural heartland.